Edaucation
Senate Applauds MAN Oron’s Consistent Deepening of Cadets Training

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA
In an inspiring display of national pride and progress, the Senate Committee on Marine Transport led by its chairman, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun has given a resounding commendation to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, for its remarkable infrastructural transformation.
MAN As Critical Asset
A Tour of Excellence
The Senators while on a tour of the Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities during its oversight visit on Monday, July 28, 2025 commended the leadership, management and staff of the federal owned institution for the deepening of its training programmes through continuous improvement of its faculty, smart classroom and practical training equipments, academic competence through qualified lecturers and instructors, clean, sparkling and conducive learning environment, and the maintenance of a beautiful ambience, the senators noted is comparable to any world class maritime academy, elsewhere.
The Committee Chairman equally commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for maritime education stressing that MAN Oron has become a citadel of manpower development and growth in Nigeria.
This is even as he commended the resilience of the staff of the Academy and praised the cadets for their choice in seafaring training aimed to fill Nigeria’s place in the international sea trade.
Noteworthy is the fact that the senate tour is the first in eight years, and the places toured include the following:
-Full mission simulators (Engine Room, Bridge, Ocean Vision)
-Smart classrooms and advanced library systems
-Marine Exhibition Hall, engineering workshops, jetty, and survival pool
These upgrades were hailed by Senator Eshinlokun as “national assets”, affirming the Academy’s strategic importance in maritime education and global trade training.
A Rector’s Vision And Cadet’s Future
Acting Rector of MAN, Dr. Kevin Okonna who received the mantle of leadership last year from an exceptional predecessor, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd) and has kept the traction, received accolades for his cerebral leadership and commitment to excellence.
Senator Eshinlokun emphasized the Academy’s evolution into a “citadel of manpower development,” celebrating cadets as the future captains and technocrats of Nigeria’s marine economy.
Voices from the Committee
Vice Chairman Senator Steve Kareem(Kogi West) and Senator Sharafat Ali (Oyo South), also praised the Academy’s impeccable maintenance and the impressive atmosphere they noted is conducive to learning.
Pledge to support MAN’s further growth
The Senate Committee on Marine Transport also pledged to continue to assist the Academy and cadets by providing legislative support necessary to attract an efficient funding system for the institution through the traditional channels of funding, for the continuous improvement of its overall development, including infrastructure, faculty and an efficient teaching academic pool.